Relief Echoed Across Australia: “Thank God We Don’t Live in Victoria” – Why Interstate Aussies Are Breathing a Sigh of Gratitude in 2025
In the ongoing banter of interstate rivalry, the phrase “Thank God we don’t live in Victoria” has become a common refrain among Australians outside the southern state, capturing a mix of schadenfreude, genuine concern, and light-hearted jabs amid Victoria’s challenges in late 2025. From high cost of living to political frustrations and weather woes, many in Queensland, NSW, and beyond express quiet (or not-so-quiet) relief at calling another state home.
This sentiment isn’t new—Victoria (particularly Melbourne) has long been teased for its unpredictable weather, strict past lockdowns, and perceived “woke” policies—but it’s amplified in 2025 by ongoing issues like soaring housing prices, energy bills, and state debt under the Labor government. Social media posts from Queenslanders and Sydneysiders often highlight warmer climates, lower taxes, or freer lifestyles as reasons for gratitude. One viral X post summed it up: “Every day I think ‘Thank God we don’t live in Victoria’—it comes across as a third world country.”
Key factors fueling the phrase in December 2025:
- Cost of Living Pressures: Victoria faces some of Australia’s highest electricity prices and rental costs, exacerbated by population growth and infrastructure strains. Interstate migrants fleeing Melbourne’s affordability crisis often share stories of relief in cheaper states like Queensland.
- Weather and Lifestyle Envy: Melbourne’s reputation for “four seasons in one day” contrasts with Queensland’s sunshine or NSW’s beaches. As summer hits, posts like “Thank God for QLD summers—no Melbourne rain ruining barbecues” go viral.
- Political Divide: Critics of Premier Jacinta Allan’s government point to high state debt (over $200 billion projected), controversial projects like the Suburban Rail Loop, and social policies as reasons Victoria feels “out of step.” Supporters counter that it’s progressive leadership delivering big infrastructure.
- Historical Echoes: The phrase surged during COVID lockdowns, when Victoria endured the world’s longest cumulative restrictions. That legacy lingers, with occasional flares when new policies (e.g., anti-protest laws or developer levies) spark debate.
Yet, Victorians push back fiercely: Melbourne boasts world-class culture, food scenes, events like the Australian Open, and vibrant arts—often ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. Many locals respond with “Thank God we don’t live in [insert state]” jabs about floods, heatwaves, or traffic elsewhere.
This good-natured (mostly) rivalry highlights Australia’s federal diversity—each state offers unique pros and cons. For U.S. readers, it’s akin to “Thank God I don’t live in California” amid tax or wildfire debates.
Whether relief or ribbing, the phrase captures the eternal Aussie pastime: tall poppy syndrome meets state pride.
In this classic interstate roast, “Thank God we don’t live in Victoria” reminds us why home feels sweetest—flaws and all.
By Sam Michael
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